Date:
7 January 2008
The UK government has today relaxed rules on the hand-baggage allowance when flying from 22 UK airports. However there is a great deal of confusion as the new rules do not apply to all airports nor do they apply to every airline.
For example if you are flying from Liverpool, Gatwick, Leeds, Luton or Bradford then you must adhere to the previous allowance of one piece of hand luggage. Therefore even airlines who are allowing two pieces of hand luggage will not apply this rule when departing from these airports.
This is creating a confusing and often inconvenient situation for passengers, for example those who are using connecting flights using different airlines or outward and return journeys using different airlines. It would seem that despite the relaxing of restrictions normally being welcomed by passengers, doing so in such a manner where the ruling doesn’t apply to everyone would seem to make the situation worse.
Passenger action groups are advising passengers to check with their airlines and airports prior to arrival at the airport as to avoid delays at check-in. Passengers are also being advised that the carrying-on of liquids and similar substances remain in place.
It would seem that just as passengers are becoming accustomed to the one piece of hand-luggage rule, they are being asked to change again but without an air of consistency. The new rules when introduced covered all airports and airlines and therefore there was no room for confusion. Many passengers may have been inconvenienced by the new rule but many accepted that in the current climate it was a necessary one.
Below is a full-list of airports and airlines together with the appropriate information. Source – The Times
Airports allowing more than one bag
Aberdeen
Benbecula
Birmingham
Cambridge
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Heathrow
Inverness
Islay
Kirkwall
London City
Manchester
Newcastle
Plymouth
Prestwick
Southampton
Southend
Stansted
Stornaway
Sumburgh
Wick
Airlines’ policy
Easjet: economy (one); business/first (one)
Ryanair: economy (one); business/first (one)
BMI: economy (one and a small bag); business/first (two and a small bag)
Virgin Atlantic: economy and premium economy (one and a small bag); business/first (two and a small bag)
British Airways: economy (two); business/first (two)
American Airlines: economy (two); business/first (two)
Lufthansa: economy (one and a small bag); business/first (two and a small bag)
Air France: economy (one and a small bag); Business/First: (two, one slightly smaller) and a small bag
Quantas: economy (one); Business/First (two)
*Small bag equals size of laptop bag or handbag.
Please take a look at our wide range of holiday cottages and holiday villas to find your perfect holiday destination.
|